The University of Oxford, through Saïd Business School, has announced up to three AfOx Graduate Scholarships for the 2027–28 MBA programme, providing a major funding opportunity for African students committed to contributing to the continent’s development.
The scholarships have been established through a partnership between the University of Oxford, the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Programme and the Africa Oxford Initiative (AfOx), with the support of Oxford Saïd Business School.
The programme is designed to support African nationals who have experienced hardship and demonstrate a clear commitment to Africa’s development.
Scholarship Benefits
Successful AfOx Graduate Scholarship recipients will receive comprehensive financial and developmental support throughout their MBA studies at Oxford.
The scholarship package includes:
• Full MBA course fees
• A living-cost grant of at least £21,805
• Tailor-made training programmes
• Networking opportunities
• Support before, during and after the Oxford programme
• Access to an international academic and professional network
With up to three scholarships available, the opportunity is highly competitive and is aimed at candidates who can demonstrate strong academic and leadership potential alongside a commitment to Africa.
Eligibility Requirements
The AfOx Graduate Scholarships are specifically targeted at African applicants who meet the programme’s eligibility requirements.
Applicants must:
• Be citizens of an African country
• Be ordinarily resident in an African country
• Have not already completed a Master’s degree
• Demonstrate a commitment to Africa’s development
• Submit an application for the Oxford MBA programme by the relevant deadline
The scholarship is intended to support individuals whose academic and professional ambitions can contribute to sustainable development and positive change across Africa.
No Separate Scholarship Application
One important feature of the AfOx Graduate Scholarship is that applicants do not need to submit a separate scholarship application.
Candidates must instead complete and submit their Oxford MBA application by the stated deadline. Applicants who are shortlisted for interview will subsequently be contacted by the University of Oxford.
This means prospective candidates should ensure that their MBA application clearly presents their academic background, professional experience, leadership potential and commitment to Africa’s development.
Application Deadline
The deadline for the 2027–28 AfOx Graduate Scholarships is 6 January 2027.
Candidates interested in the opportunity are encouraged to begin preparing their MBA applications well ahead of the deadline. This includes reviewing the MBA admission requirements and ensuring that all required supporting information is available before submission.
Partnership Supporting African Talent
The scholarship forms part of a broader collaboration between the University of Oxford and the Mastercard Foundation aimed at expanding educational opportunities for talented Africans.
Through the Africa Oxford Initiative, the partnership seeks to strengthen connections between Oxford and African researchers, students and institutions while supporting individuals who can contribute to Africa’s long-term development.
Oxford Saïd Business School has also highlighted its commitment to increasing investment in and recruitment of talent from across Africa.
Other Oxford Scholarships for African Applicants
Candidates applying to the Oxford MBA may also explore other funding opportunities available to African nationals or individuals ordinarily resident in Africa.
Other opportunities highlighted by Oxford Saïd Business School include:
• Saïd Business School Foundation Scholarships
• Weidenfeld-Hoffmann Scholarships and Leadership Programme
• Other Oxford funding opportunities available to eligible MBA candidates
Applicants are advised to review the eligibility requirements and deadlines for each scholarship because funding arrangements and selection criteria vary between programmes.
How to Apply for the AfOx Graduate Scholarship
Interested candidates should apply for the Oxford MBA programme and ensure that the application is submitted by 6 January 2027.
No separate AfOx scholarship form is required. Eligible applicants will be considered through the MBA application process, with shortlisted candidates contacted for an interview.
The opportunity is particularly relevant to African professionals seeking advanced business education and intending to apply their skills, networks and leadership experience to Africa’s development.
Key Scholarship Facts
• Institution: University of Oxford, Saïd Business School
• Programme: MBA
• Academic year: 2027–28
• Scholarship: AfOx Graduate Scholarship
• Number available: Up to three
• Tuition: Fully covered
• Living costs: At least £21,805
• Eligibility: African citizens ordinarily resident in Africa
• Previous Master’s degree: Applicants must not already hold one
• Separate application: Not required
• Deadline: 6 January 2027
The AfOx Graduate Scholarships provide a significant opportunity for eligible African professionals to pursue an Oxford MBA with substantial financial support while gaining access to training, networking and leadership development opportunities.
